Ethical and legal responsibility for Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

“In civilized life, law floats in a sea of ethics”, a quote by the former Chief Justice of the United States, Earl Warren. In a democratic society, the constitution defines the country’s values, and the laws define the preferred or at least still tolerated behavior, making deviations sanctionable. As the society is in a continuous flow, also based on scientific and technical developments, law always lags behind. Until regulations can catch up, ethics has to lead society. In less democratic societies, the water gets polluted up to poisoned, ethical behavior may be against ruling law. As for the latter, Robin Hood was a thief, but for most parts of the population, a hero. The less transparent the water, the more difficult to adapt law to new developments. This includes direct corruption, but also unfaithful lobbying. This article discusses the “nature” of Artificial Intelligence, including the risks its posing, and who is responsible for systematic errors, from a moral, but also legal point.